Moviefone Editorial

Tag: him

Best Football Movies To Watch On Super Bowl Sunday

Best Football Movies of All Time.

“Are you ready for some Football?”

Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8th and it promises to be an unforgettable game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
6966
However, if you still need your football fix, Moviefone has compiled a list of 30 of the best football movies of all time for you to watch after the game.

These football movies cover what happens both on and off the field, and best of all, every movie here is streaming right now, so you can get started watching any of them immediately.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: Tyriq Withers Talks ‘HIM’ Digital Release and Working with Marlon Wayans

30. ‘The Blind Side‘ (2009)

(L to R) Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock in ‘The Blind Side.’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

The story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman (Sandra Bullock) and her family
37685

29. ‘American Underdog‘ (2021)

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is.
3P4vwGzXzWONIniR96KEr2

28. ‘Radio‘ (2003)

High school football coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris) befriends Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a mentally-challenged man who becomes a student at TL Hanna High School in Anderson South Carolina. Their friendship extends over several decades where Radio transforms from a shy tormented man into an inspiration to his community.
14634

27. ‘Gridiron Gang‘ (2006)

Under the leadership of their counselor (Dwayne Johnson), teenagers at a juvenile detention center gain selfesteem by playing football together.
23754

26. ‘All the Right Moves‘ (1983)

Sensitive study of a headstrong high school football star (Tom Cruise) who dreams of getting out of his small Western Pennsylvania steel town with a football scholarship. His equally ambitious coach (Craig T. Nelson) aims at a college position resulting in a clash which could crush the players dreams.
1000946

25. ‘The Underdoggs‘ (2024)

(L to R) Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “2 J’s” Jennings and Mike Epps as Kareem in director Charles Stone III’s ‘The Underdoggs,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Jacob Kemp. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Jaycen ‘Two Js’ Jennings (Snoop Dogg) is a washed-up former pro football star who has hit rock bottom. When he is sentenced to do community service coaching the Underdoggs, an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown, he sees it mostly as an opportunity to rebuild his public image. But in the process, he may just turn his life around and rediscover his love of the game.
4bPoq1uMr4MdNZVIA5rPB5

24. ‘The Longest Yard‘ (2005)

Pro quarterback Paul Crewe (Adam Sandler) and former college champion and coach Nate Scarboro (Burt Reynolds) are doing time in the same prison and are asked to put together a team of inmates to take on the guards. Crewe enlists the help of Scarboro to coach the inmates to victory in a football game fixed to turn out quite another way.
18246

23. ‘The Program‘ (1993)

Several players from different backgrounds try to cope with the pressures of playing football at a major university. Each deals with the pressure differently some turn to drinking others to drugs and some to studying.
8462

22. ‘The Best of Times‘ (1986)

A smalltown loser (Robin Williams) determines to have one more shot at the big time by winning a football game.
1002999

21. ‘Varsity Blues‘ (1999)

In small-town Texas, high school football is a religion, 17-year-old schoolboys carry the hopes of an entire community onto the gridiron every Friday night. When star quarterback Lance Harbor (Paul Walker) suffers an injury, the Coyotes are forced to regroup under the questionable leadership of John Moxon (James Van Der Beek), a second-string quarterback with a slightly irreverent approach to the game.
5081

20. ‘The Longest Yard‘ (1974)

Burt Reynolds in 1974’s ‘The Longest Yard.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

A football player-turned-convict (Burt Reynolds) organizes a team of inmates to play against a team of prison guards. His dilemma is that the warden (Eddie Albert) asks him to throw the game in return for an early release but he is also concerned about the inmates lack of self-esteem.

21494

19. ‘The Waterboy‘ (1998)

Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler) is a water boy for a struggling college football team. The coach (Henry Winkler) discovers Boucher’s hidden rage makes him a tackling machine whose bone-crushing power might vault his team into the playoffs.
4514

18. ‘Jerry Maguire‘ (1996)

Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) used to be a typical sports agent willing to do just about anything he could to get the biggest possible contracts for his clients plus a nice commission for himself. Then one day he suddenly has second thoughts about what he’s really doing. When he voices these doubts he ends up losing his job and all of his clients save Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.) an egomaniacal football player.
3239

17. ‘Invincible‘ (2006)

Inspired by the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a man with nothing to lose who ignored the staggering odds and made his dream come true. When the coach of Papale’s beloved hometown football team hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time – no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found this way.
25912

16. ‘Leatherheads‘ (2008)

A light hearted comedy about the beginnings of Professional American Football. When a decorated war hero (George Clooney) and college all star (John Krasinski) is tempted into playing professional football. Everyone see the chance to make some big money, but when a reporter digs up some dirt on the war hero… everyone could lose out.
27495

15. ‘HIM‘ (2025)

Marlon Wayans is Isaiah (back, pointing) and Tyriq Withers is Cam (foreground) in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

After suffering a potentially career-ending brain trauma, Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) receives a lifeline when his hero, legendary eight-time Championship quarterback and cultural megastar Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), offers to train Cam at Isaiah’s isolated compound that he shares with his celebrity influencer wife. But as Cam’s training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma begins to curdle into something darker.
1eBfWAQQkwFhA9lMUmOsv Nw7z4vMX

14. ‘Necessary Roughness‘ (1991)

When the Texas Southern Armadillos football team is disqualified for cheating and poor grades, the University is forced to pick from a team that actually goes to school. Will they even win a single game?
5340

13. ‘North Dallas Forty‘ (1979)

A semi-fictional account of life as a professional football player. Loosely based on the Dallas Cowboys team of the early 1970s.
1025481

12. ‘80 for Brady‘ (2023)

Inspired by the true story of four best friends (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field) living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play.
ldyGzySVeWsuBPnI1itDQ7

11. ‘Draft Day‘ (2014)

At the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.
10123424

10. ‘The Replacements‘ (2000)

Keanu Reeves in ‘The Replacements’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Maverick old-guard coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) is hired in the wake of a players’ strike to help the Washington Sentinels advance to the playoffs. But that impossible dream hinges on whether his replacements can hunker down and do the job, including washed up Quarterback Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves). So, McGinty dusts off his secret dossier of ex-players who never got a chance (or screwed up the one they were given) and knits together a bad-dream team of guys who just may give the Sentinels their title shot.
7831

9. ‘Brian’s Song‘ (1971)

Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.
9291

8. ‘Heaven Can Wait‘ (1978)

Joe Pendleton (Warren Beatty) is a quarterback preparing to lead his team to the Super Bowl when he is almost killed in an accident. An overanxious angel plucks him to heaven only to discover that he wasn’t ready to die, and that his body has been cremated. A new body must be found, and that of a recently-murdered millionaire is chosen. His wife and accountant—the murderers—are confused by this development, as he buys the L.A. Rams in order to once again quarterback them into the Super Bowl.
1180

7. ‘Wildcats‘ (1986)

Molly (Goldie Hawn) is a high school track coach who knows just as much about football as anyone else on the planet. When a football coach’s position becomes vacant, she applies for the job, despite snickers from fellow staff members and her former husband.
23449

6. ‘We Are Marshall‘ (2006)

When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team’s new coach (Matthew McConaughey) and his surviving players try to keep the football program alive.
25380

5. ‘The Last Boy Scout‘ (1991)

(L to R) Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans in ‘The Last Boy Scout’. Photo: Warner Bros.

When the girl (Halle Berry) that detective Joe Hallenback (Bruce Willis) is protecting gets murdered, the boyfriend (Damon Wayans) of the murdered girl attempts to investigate and solve the case. What they discover is that there is deep seated corruption going on between a crooked politician and the owner of a pro football team.
20731

4. ‘Rudy‘ (1993)

Rudy (Sean Austin) grew up in a steel mill town where most people ended up working, but wanted to play football at Notre Dame instead. There were only a couple of problems. His grades were a little low, his athletic skills were poor, and he was only half the size of the other players. But he had the drive and the spirit of five people and has set his sights upon joining the team.
8560

3. ‘Friday Night Lights‘ (2004)

A small, turbulent town in Texas obsesses over their high school football team to an unhealthy degree. When the star tailback, Boobie Miles (Derek Luke), is seriously injured during the first game of the season, all hope is lost, and the town’s dormant social problems begin to flare up. It is left to the inspiring abilities of new coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) to instill in the other team members — and, by proxy, the town itself — a sense of self-respect and honor.
18128

2. ‘Remember the Titans‘ (2000)

After leading his football team to 15 winning seasons, coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) – tough, opinionated and as different from the beloved Yoast as he could be. The two men learn to overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions.
7930

1. ‘Any Given Sunday‘ (1999)

(L to R) Jamie Foxx, Al Pacino and Denis Quaid in ‘Any Given Sunday’. Photo: Warner Bros.

A star quarterback (Dennis Quaid) gets knocked out of the game and an unknown third stringer (Jamie Foxx) is called in to replace him. The unknown gives a stunning performance and forces the ageing coach (Al Pacino) to reevaluate his game plans and life. A new co-owner/president (Cameron Diaz) adds to the pressure of winning. The new owner must prove herself in a male dominated world.
6966

February 8, 2026
‘HIM’ Digital Release Interview: Tyriq Withers
18aIYIQ2
Available on digital now and debuting on DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 11th is the new horror movie ‘HIM’, which was co-written and directed by Justin Tipping (‘Kicks’) and produced by Jordan Peele (‘Get Out’), and stars Tyriq Withers (‘I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)’), Marlon Wayans (‘Requiem for a Dream’), Julia Fox (‘Uncut Gems’), Tim Heidecker (‘Us’), and Jim Jefferies (‘Killing Hasselhoff’).
1eBfWAQQkwFhA9lMUmOsv
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tyriq Withers about his work on ‘HIM’, his first reaction to the screenplay, how he related to the character, quarterback bootcamp, Cam and Isaiah’s relationship and working with Marlon Wayans, director Justin Tipping’s vision for the project, and finding out he won his role from producer Jordan Peele.

Marlon Wayans is Isaiah (back, pointing) and Tyriq Withers is Cam (foreground) in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.

Related Article: 30 Best Football Movies of All Time!

Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and the way it blends professional football with the horror genre?

Tyriq Withers: I think it’s a script that I couldn’t put down. Coming from sports, whether it was soccer and transitioning into college football, it was a dream come true to be able to pick up a script that paid its respects to the sport of football. I think it talked about an athlete that was in pursuit of greatness and I think it just transcends sports in a way where it talks to us all who want to pursue greatness. I think that that road to that can get a little hectic and scary in real life. I think that’s the beauty of horror, where you can really exaggerate or hyperbolize themes and the obstacles it takes to reach that level of greatness.

MF: As a former athlete yourself, could you relate to the pressure on Cam and his dedication and sacrifice to pursue greatness on the field?

TW: I think chasing greatness in the world of sports as Tyriq, it was always rooted in love and family and who I was doing it for was my mom. I think Cam’s story is rooted in that with his parents and specifically his father, that he lost. I think that grief of losing his father pushed him even further because there is no literal validation he could get after his father passed and, “This is what my dad would want.” As an athlete, that’s where I lived and as an artist now, that’s where I live, where I want to prove something to my brother that I lost. I think the world of sports and of college football, the crazy interactions with players or coaches, that is a direct reflection within this movie. Obviously, things are heightened in the film, but I think there are certain feelings. There is a beautiful scene where Marlon’s yelling in my face. He’s saying, “What are you willing to sacrifice?” One of the lines was, “Your father didn’t love you.” I think I’ve come from a world of sports where whether it’s middle school, high school or college, where coaches say things to invoke certain emotions to get a certain performance. That’s not a great way to coach. But I pulled from those experiences and in that scene where I’m saying I want to sacrifice everything; you can hear it in my voice because I’m really triggered and frustrated. I think that’s the beauty of art, the catharsis of art, if you will.

(from left) Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) and Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Can you talk about Cam and Isaiah’s mentor/mentee relationship, and did you have a bit of that with Marlon Wayans off screen? Was he an actor that you admired growing up, and if so, what was it like working with him on this project?

TW: Yeah, Marlon is an actor who I have looked up to all my life and not only on screen, but him as a human being, and his comedy. So, there was a mentor/mentee relationship developed initially coming on the set. It didn’t get weird like Cameron and Isaiah. I think watching Cameron’s journey between the respect of his idol and pulling back the layers of who Isaiah White is, allowed him to really see Isaiah for who he truly was and really understand, your idol becomes your rival. You know, that’s the beauty and ugliness of sports, where people you look up to will become your rivals. Where Allen Iverson had to crossover Michael Jordan, and AI grew up loving Jordan, but we must do what we must do. So that was a fun thing to play with and Marlon took me under his wing as a younger brother, or an honorary Wayans, I always say. I’m grateful for that brotherhood.

MF: How did you physically prepare to play this role? Did you go to a quarterback bootcamp or have any type of football training before shooting?

TW: I just kind of went to set and showed up. No, I’m kidding. I went in the gym. I had to get physically in shape. So, I was working out six days a week, twice a day. eating 4,000 calories while going to a football camp with Jordan Palmer training with actual QBs prepping for the NFL draft. So, I got to see the training, but also the interview process, the playwriting process, the studying process, and we had Joe Milton there, who currently plays for the Cowboys. Then, Josh Allen popped through to give some words. So, it was a real authentic football experience to really bring to the character and I carried that on screen. Hopefully that resonates with everyone, because I took it serious coming from football. I played wide receiver, so it was a bit of a transition to learn the quarterback position.

(from left) Marlon Wayans, director Justin Tipping and Tyriq Withers on the set of ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: What was director Justin Tipping like to collaborate with on set?

TW: Justin was a beauty to have as a director where he allowed us the freedom to bring ourselves to the role, but also pushing us to places that we couldn’t even imagine. I think his vision, his eye for story, is immaculate and I think there’s certain themes and writing aspects of this film that he fought for that I’m grateful to have. He paid his respects to the sport of football, even though he came from soccer. I think that’s a testament to him as a director, where he’s able to find the common themes and create specific stories. I feel like the more specific a story is, the more universal and relatable it will become, and he created a piece that I think will be studied for generations. I think it will age like fine wine.

MF: Finally, how much interaction did you have with producer Jordan Peele on this project? Was he on set during production and what were some of his contributions while filming?

TW: Yeah, he was on my initial casting Zoom when they told me I got the part. They were like, “Jordan Peele is hopping on the call. Do you know who Jordan Peele is?” I’m like, “Do I know who Jordan Peele is?” He was there to share the news and we had a couple meetings and we got to hang. He came to set a few days, but wasn’t there every day because as a producer, you put the right people in the right positions to curate the art that you want to tell. I think that’s the genius of Jordan Peele, where he knows exactly who to put where. He gave me some words of affirmation and really gave me the extra added confidence to walk on set and really do my thing as Cameron Cade.

(L to R) Director Justin Tipping, Tyriq Withers (as Cam), Producer Jordan Peele, and Marlon Wayans (as Isaiah) on the set of ‘HIM’, from Universal Pictures.

What is the plot of ‘Him’?

When rising quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma, legendary championship quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) offers to train Cam at his isolated compound. But Cam’s training and Isaiah’s charisma soon begin to curdle into something darker, which may cost Cam more than he ever bargained for.

Who is in the cast of ‘Him’?
- Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White
- Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade
- Julia Fox as Elsie White
- Tim Heidecker as Tom
- Jim Jefferies as Marco
- Naomi Grossman as Marjorie
- Maurice Greene as Malek
- Akeem ‘Guapdad 4000’ Hayes as Murph
- Tierra Whack as Adrienne
- Don Benjamin as Cam Sr.
Jordan Peele attends the Academy’s 2019 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom on Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Hollywood, CA. Credit/Provider: Troy Harvey / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

List of Films Directed Or Produced By Jordan Peele:
- ‘Keanu‘ (2016)
- ‘Get Out‘ (2017)
- ‘BlacKkKlansman‘ (2018)
- ‘Us‘ (2019)
- ‘Candyman‘ (2021)
- ‘Nope’ (2022)
- ‘Wendell & Wild‘ (2022)
- ‘Monkey Man’ (2024)
- ‘Him’ (2025)
Buy Tickets: ‘Him’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Jordan Peele Movies On Amazon
October 16, 2025
Movie Review: ‘Him’
(L to R) Tyriq Withers is Cam, Marlon Wayans is Isaiah, and Maurice Greene is Malek in ‘Him’, directed by Justin Tipping. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Opening in theaters September 19 is ‘Him,’ directed by Justin Tipping and starring Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Maurice Greene, Tierra Whack, Don Benjamin, and Naomi Grossman.
1eBfWAQQkwFhA9lMUmOsv
Related Article: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans to Return For ‘Scary Movie’ Reboot

Initial Thoughts

Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Producer Jordan Peele’s name is prominent in the marketing for ‘Him,’ a film that lands in a category that might be called ‘sports horror.’ But while the Peele brand is associated with socially conscious genre fare – particularly the films he’s directed, like ‘Get Out’ and ‘Nope’ – he turns the reins here over to Justin Tipping, who helmed the 2016 urban drama ‘Kicks.’

While Peele himself might have had a different outcome with ‘Him,’ Tipping does not seem on sure footing here. In fact, in an attempt to make ‘Him’ as dream-like and surreal as he can, Tipping turns the film into a progressively manic and borderline nonsensical string of sequences that are edited in such haphazard fashion as to almost induce withdrawal in the viewer. Though not without its merits, ‘Him’ turns out to be the cinematic equivalent of a game that got away.

Story and Direction

(from left) Marlon Wayans, director Justin Tipping and Tyriq Withers on the set of ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) is an up-and-coming college football star who many pundits see as the heir apparent to Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), the rumored-to-be-retiring superstar quarterback of the fictional San Antonio Saviors. But when a senseless attack leaves Cam with a serious head injury and his career on the line, Isaiah invites him to come train at his secluded underground compound out in the desert, where Isaiah himself will personally determine whether Cam can still make the cut – and help him get there.

It sounds too good to be true, and right off the bat it is: Isaiah’s massive crib/training facility is one of those labyrinthine, vault-like places, full of weird art and winding corridors, that automatically screams ‘bad things happen here.’ Sure enough, Cam’s training becomes increasingly unorthodox and violent, while Isaiah begins to behave in ways that are erratic and even dangerous. As the crucial date for Cam’s meeting with the owners of the Saviors draws near, it becomes apparent that he may have to fight not just for his signing bonus, but for his life.

(L to R) Marlon Wayans (as Isaiah), director Justin Tipping, and Tyriq Withers (as Cam) on the set of ‘HIM’, from Universal Pictures.

‘Him’ lets us know early on that it’s using horror as a metaphor for the toxic masculinity and abusive culture that permeates professional sports. In an early flashback, Cam as a boy watches Isaiah get gravely injured on live television during a playoff game. ‘That’s what men do,’ intones his (soon-to-be-deceased) father. ‘They sacrifice. No guts, no glory.’ Later, at Isaiah’s compound, Isaiah repeatedly barks, ‘This isn’t a f**king game!’ His staff physician injects Cam daily with some unknown substance. Even the cult of personality around certain sports stars gets a sharp poke thanks to the menacing Isaiah fans that hang around outside the gates.

This could all be worthy material in the right hands, and indeed the script by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie made the prestigious Black List of unproduced screenplays. But Tipping turns it all into a mashup of music video, montage compilation, and fever dream, with frenetic editing, battering-ram sound, and occult imagery that makes less and less sense as it goes on. Perhaps the idea is to make us feel like we’re inside Cam’s already damaged head, but instead of a rising tide of dread and tension we’re just subjected to a string of barely connected episodes that make us feel instead like the movie is falling apart. By the time we find out the answer to what’s behind it all, we no longer care nor are we even sure what the hell it is.

Cast and Performances

Marlon Wayans is Isaiah in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Although his performance is big – and increasingly over the top and beyond — Marlon Wayans easily holds the screen here. His Isaiah White is charismatic and charming until he’s not – and then he sometimes is again, even after going off the rails one scene earlier. Wayans’ natural presence and abilities provide the most interest in ‘Him,’ especially in one quiet scene toward the end that allows some insight into the character of Isaiah for a moment (“Find your own way to greatness,” he tells Cam, “Don’t be me”) before the mayhem starts up again.

We can’t quite say the same for Tyriq Withers. The former college football star (for real) has the physical prowess and good looks to make for a credible rising phenom, but except for a flash of rage or sadness here and there Withers just doesn’t have the range or expressiveness to carry the film’s critical role. As for the rest of the cast, no one stands out much except Julia Fox as Isaiah’s social influencer (and sex toy peddler) wife, Elsie, with Fox giving her usual downtown girl schtick a witchy twist.

Final Thoughts

Marlon Wayans is Isaiah (back, pointing) and Tyriq Withers is Cam (foreground) in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

There are probably some fascinating horror stories that could come out of the world of sports – particularly when it comes to body horror and the way that athletic competition can crush both the flesh and spirit – but despite its ambitions, ‘Him’ is not one of those movies.

Whatever was in that original script by Akers and Bronkie just seems to get lost here in Tipping’s frenzied, headache-inducing style of direction. ‘Him’ just pummels you with nonstop, almost assaultive imagery that is both nightmarish and gratuitous. If it’s meant to make the viewer feel like he’s getting hammered on all sides by the other team’s defensive line – well, perhaps in that regard it succeeds, but as a movie, not so much.

‘Him’ receives a score of 45 out of 100.

‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

What is the plot of ‘Him’?

When rising quarterback Cameron Cade is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma, legendary championship quarterback Isaiah White offers to train Cam at his isolated compound. But Cam’s training and Isaiah’s charisma soon begin to curdle into something darker, which may cost Cam more than he ever bargained for.

Who is in the cast of ‘Him’?
- Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White
- Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade
- Julia Fox as Elsie White
- Tim Heidecker as Tom
- Jim Jefferies as Marco
- Naomi Grossman as Marjorie
- Maurice Greene as Malek
- Akeem ‘Guapdad 4000’ Hayes as Murph
- Tierra Whack as Adrienne
- Don Benjamin as Cam Sr.
(L to R) Director Justin Tipping, Tyriq Withers (as Cam), Producer Jordan Peele, and Marlon Wayans (as Isaiah) on the set of ‘HIM’, from Universal Pictures.

List of Films Directed Or Produced By Jordan Peele:
- ‘Keanu‘ (2016)
- ‘Get Out‘ (2017)
- ‘BlacKkKlansman‘ (2018)
- ‘Us‘ (2019)
- ‘Candyman‘ (2021)
- ‘Nope’ (2022)
- ‘Wendell & Wild‘ (2022)
- ‘Monkey Man’ (2024)
- ‘Him’ (2025)
Buy Tickets: ‘Him’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Jordan Peele Movies On Amazon
Nw7z4vMX
September 18, 2025
2025 Fall Movies Preview

Moviefone’s 2025 Fall Preview.

As we move into the fall of 2025, there are still many highly anticipated movies yet to be released this year.

From horror sequels like ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites‘ and ‘Black Phone 2‘, to legacy sequels like ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues‘ and ‘Tron: Ares‘ and the action sequel ‘Mortal Kombat II‘, to the biopic ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere‘, as well as Guillermo del Toro‘s ‘Frankenstein‘, the Stephen King adaptation ‘The Long Walk‘, and Paul Thomas Anderson‘s ‘One Battle After Another‘, fall 2025 has a little bit for everyone.

Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming in September and October of 2025, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.

Let’s begin!

September:

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites‘ (9/5)

(L to R) Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren and Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren in New Line Cinema’s ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Giles Keyte. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) take on one last terrifying case involving mysterious entities they must confront.
gb9DOCOXvGEq5NH7gF1ZL4
‘Splitsville‘ (9/5)

(L to R) Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson in ‘Splitsville’. Photo: Neon.

When his wife Ashley (Adria Arjona) asks for a divorce, Carey (Kyle Marvin) runs to his friends (Dakota Johnson and Michael Angelo Covino) for support, only to learn that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.
lOJmPgrPOeHy3zIrcKovC6
‘The Baltimorons‘ (9/5)

Michael Strassner in Jay Duplass’s ‘The Baltomrons’. Courtesy of Jon Bregel. An Independent Film Company Release.

After cracking a tooth on Christmas Eve, newly sober Cliff (Michael Strassner) embarks on an unexpected May/December adventure through Baltimore with Didi (Liz Larsen), his emergency dentist.
wDxgeu8ccG28oEV38vRcg6
‘The Threesome‘ (9/5)

(L to R) Ruby Cruz, Zoey Deutch, and Jonah Hauer-King in ‘The Threesome’. Photo: Vertical.

Connor (Jonah Hauer-King) is a kind and unassuming young man, who, along with his long-time crush Olivia (Zoey Deutch), engages in a threesome with a sweet, alluring stranger named Jenny (Ruby Cruz). This encounter sparks a relationship between Connor and Olivia, leading them to plan a life together. However, their romance faces challenges when Jenny reappears, thrusting all three into a difficult journey toward true accountability and adulthood.
6OefcUN3Bp4GGSf5Jmeg52
‘The Cut‘ (9/5)

(L to R) Orlando Bloom as “Boxer” and John Turturro as “Boz” in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘The Cut’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

A retired boxer (Orlando Bloom) intends to return to the ring for one last shot at the title, but first he must make the weight. Holed up in a room in Las Vegas with an unscrupulous trainer (John Turturro), he embarks on an intensive and illegal weight-cutting program.
K1tC0i2AmbyI7I6gEN6H37
‘Twinless‘ (9/5)

(L to R) James Sweeney and Dylan O’Brien in ‘Twinless’, courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

Two young men (Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney) meet in a twin bereavement support group and form an unlikely bromance.
dpryYAUNwHUFyrSINCCdp6
‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale‘ (9/12)

(L to R) Penelope Wilton stars as Isobel Merton, Allen Leech as Tom Branson, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson in ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Rory Mulvey / © 2025 Focus Features LLC. © 2025 Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved.

When Mary (Michelle Dockery) finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial strife, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.
lEX8tSN43MbhVEWkp6eIR2
‘The Long Walk‘ (9/12)

(L to R) Joshua Odjick as Parker, Jordan Gonzalez as Harkness, David Jonsson as McVries, Cooper Hoffman as Garraty, and Charlie Plummer as Barkovitch in ‘The Long Walk’. Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate.

Every year, fifty teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as “The Long Walk.” Among this year’s chosen crop is “Maine’s Own,” Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman). He knows the rules: that warnings are issued if you fall under speed, stumble, sit down. That after three warnings- you get your ticket. And what happens then serves as a chilling reminder that there can be only one winner in the Walk. The one that survives.
H0fKRBIhahsno7eUAQXuK2
‘Rabbit Trap‘ (9/12)

Dev Patel appears in ‘Rabbit Trap’ by Bryn Chainey, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo: Andreas Johannessen.

When a musician (Rosy McEwen) and her husband (Dev Patel) move to a remote house in Wales, the music they make disturbs local ancient folk magic, bringing a nameless child to their door who is intent on infiltrating their lives.
B4o0oFTCQund0JkPwONAd7
‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues‘ (9/12)

(L to R) Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest in ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. Photo: Bleecker Street.

Now estranged, Spinal Tap (Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest) are forced to reunite for one final concert, hoping it will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.
4SerL8PPE668YJCZ6jFMU
‘Clemente‘ (9/12)

Michael Keaton in the documentary ‘Clemente’. Photo: Mtuckman Media.

An immersive documentary about the remarkable life and legacy of MLB icon Roberto Clemente.
oGXXY3ZbZSqHIG5DwgqmH4
‘Traumatika‘ (9/12)

Rebekah Kennedy as “Abigail” in the horror film, ‘Traumatika’, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.

A young boy’s night terrors become reality when his mother begins showing signs of demonic possession. What he’s about to experience will haunt him for the rest of his life and claim countless lives across generations.
xtXPwPVw34sNuZ1yi2TLV3
‘HIM‘ (9/19)

(L to R) Tyriq Withers is Cam, Marlon Wayans is Isaiah, and Maurice Greene is Malek in ‘Him’, directed by Justin Tipping. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Terror strikes when a promising young football player (Tyriq Withers) gets invited to train at a team’s isolated compound.
1eBfWAQQkwFhA9lMUmOsv
‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey‘ (9/19)

(L to R) Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie star in ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’. Photo: Matt Kennedy. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. **ALL IMAGES ARE PROPERTY OF SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC. FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY. SALE, DUPLICATION OR TRANSFER OF THIS MATERIAL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell) are single strangers who meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and soon, through a surprising twist of fate, find themselves on a funny, fantastical, sweeping adventure together where they get to re-live important moments from their respective pasts, illuminating how they got to where they are in the present… and possibly getting a chance to alter their futures.
VHro2LH9r5S1lTwNKVQ6S1
‘London Calling‘ (9/19)

(L to R) Jeremy Ray Taylor as “Julian” and Josh Duhamel as “Tommy Ward” in the action comedy ‘London Calling’, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

After fleeing the UK from a job gone wrong, a down on his luck hitman (Josh Duhamel) is forced to babysit the son (Jeremy Ray Taylor) of his new crime boss (Rick Hoffman) and show him how to become a man.
inaKw1da65OOJ0iUuEbNY2
‘Xeno‘ (9/19)

Omari Hardwick in ‘Xeno’. Photo: Blue Fox Entertainment.

When a fearless teenage girl (Lulu Wilson) stumbles upon a mysterious alien crash-landed in the desert near her home, she discovers that it’s not the kind of extraterrestrial she expected—it’s powerful, unpredictable, and on the run. As government agents (Omari Hardwick) close in, she must protect her new otherworldly friend while uncovering a secret that could change the fate of both their worlds.
F6ALTsdZCCgIY3he7y5fD3
‘The Strangers: Chapter 2‘ (9/26)

Madelaine Petsch as Maya in ‘The Strangers — Chapter 2’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

On the final day of their cross country road trip, a couple’s vehicle breaks down, forcing them to take refuge in a remote Airbnb. As night falls, three masked strangers terrorize them until dawn. The film stars Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso and Ema Horvath.
TwBGJPfmSO2hlVFZOkBJZ1
‘Dead of Winter‘ (9/26)

Emma Thompson in ‘Dead of Winter’. Photo: Vertical.

A widowed fisherwoman (Emma Thompson), traveling alone through snowbound northern Minnesota, interrupts the kidnapping of a teenage girl. Hours from the nearest town and with no phone service, she realizes that she is the young girl’s only hope.
p6MsMpbLRBoXzYTqU17zt1

‘One Battle After Another‘ (9/26)

Leonardo Di Caprio as Bob Ferguson in ‘One Battle After Another.’ A Warner Bros. Pictures Release. Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.

When their evil nemesis resurfaces after 16 years, a band of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.
v5LFHnAkFrOnjfi1aaL9n4

October:

‘Play Dirty‘ (10/1)

(L to R) Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield in ‘Play Dirty’. Photo: Prime Video.

Expert thief Parker (Mark Wahlberg) gets a shot at a major heist, but to pull it off he and his team must outsmart a South American dictator, the New York mob, and the world’s richest man.
ZfzsuxMetk7XEd8SjCF4J3
‘The Smashing Machine‘ (10/3)

Dwayne Johnson in ‘The Smashing Machine’. Photo: A24.

The story of legendary mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr (Dwayne Johnson).
8jH7gGMxW2irGDKhPkRnC1
‘Anemone‘ (10/3)

Sean Bean stars as Jem and Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Ray in director Ronan Day-Lewis’s ‘Anemone’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2025 Focus Features LLC.

Family bonds between fathers, sons, and brothers are explored as complex relationships unfold through personal journeys and generational conflicts.
Gt8yC8AZMS7CLM9UR9c0Z
‘Bone Lake‘ (10/3)

Maddie Hasson in Bleecker Street and LD’s ‘Bone Lake’. Credit: Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment.

A couple’s romantic vacation at a secluded lakeside estate is upended when they are forced to share the mansion with a mysterious and attractive couple. In this darkly hilarious and seductive horror story, a dream getaway spirals into a nightmarish maze of sex, lies, and manipulation, bringing terrifying secrets to light and triggering a bloody battle for survival.
enaljd6mNypZnz2bRvFg7
‘Killing Faith‘ (10/3)

(L to R) Guy Pearce and DeWanda Wise star in ‘KIlling Faith’. Photo: Film Bridge International.

In the summer of 1859, a widowed physician (Guy Pearce) reluctantly agrees to take a recently freed slave (DeWanda Wise) and her mysterious Caucasian daughter on a five-day journey through the bloody West to find a distant town’s Faith Healer. The woman believes her daughter is possessed. The doctor believes she simply carries The Sickness. Either way the fact remains that every living thing the girl touches mysteriously dies.
ekTA2t6dNSlzI7hcFZlwh2
‘Tron: Ares‘ (10/10)

(L to R) Jared Leto as Ares and Jeff Bridges as Flynn in Disney’s Live Action ‘Tron: Ares’. Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

A highly sophisticated Program called Ares (Jared Leto) is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
WgcJH0Zv93ssQ3nT4Jtgz2 TtyfxCG3
‘Fairyland‘ (10/10)

(L to R) Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy in ‘Fairyland’. Photo: Lionsgate and WILLA.

Produced by Oscar® winner Sofia Coppola (Writing, Original Screenplay, ‘Lost in Translation‘, 2003) and based on the acclaimed memoir of the same name by Alysia Abbott, ‘Fairyland’ is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s vibrant cultural scene in the 1970s and ’80s. This captivating film chronicles a father and daughter relationship as it evolves through an era of bohemian decadence to the sober and heartbreaking era of the AIDS crisis. Starring Emilia Jones (‘CODA‘), Scoot McNairy (‘A Complete Unknown‘), Cody Fern (‘American Horror Story‘), Maria Bakalova (‘The Apprentice‘), Bella Murphy (‘Coming 2 America‘), with Adam Lambert (‘Glee‘), and Geena Davis (‘Thelma & Louise‘) and introducing Nessa Dougherty. The film is written, produced, and directed by Andrew Durham.
Ipd70ZhDzesiYPJzEOeEC3
‘Deathstalker‘ (10/10)

(L to R) Daniel Bernhardt and Patton Oswalt in ‘Deathstalker’. Photo: Shout! Studios.

The warrior Deathstalker (Daniel Bernhardt) is tasked by an old witch lady to obtain and unite the three powers of creation – a chalice, an amulet, and a sword – lest the evil magician Munkar get them and use them for nefarious purposes. After obtaining the sword, Deathstalker joins with other travelers going to the Big Tournament to determine the strongest warrior. The false king holds the true princess in captivity, and plots to have Deathstalker killed, and Deathstalker must fight to free the princess.
CCTmTiP6l2xPAqLCgcCH85
‘Beast of War‘ (10/10)

(L to R) Mark Coles Smith as “Leo,” Maximillian Johnson as “Stan,” Joel Nankervis as “Will,” and Lee Tiger Halley as “Teddy” in the thriller film ‘Beast of War’. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment.

When their boat is sunk while crossing the Timor Sea during World War II, a young troop of Australian soldiers must find a way to survive the harsh seas on a quickly shrinking life raft. Hundreds of miles from anywhere, they must confront interpersonal conflicts, enemy attacks, and the advances of one very large, very hungry great white shark.
snCOERZsqoUkqzYlxzkhy
‘Frankenstein‘ (10/17)

Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein in ‘Frankenstein’. Photo: Ken Woroner/Netflix © 2025.

Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature (Jacob Elordi) to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
QxzVykwNDsq2keHKXNG5A5
‘Pets on a Train‘ (10/17)

‘Pets on a Train’ opens in theaters on October 17th. Photo: Viva Pictures.

When a train unexpectedly starts up, taking only pets with it, the animals discover that Hans, a badger with a grudge is behind it all. While the crash seems inevitable, the animals can count on Falcon, a roguish Raccoon who will do anything to save them.
efNWS906Dahi999Er3v7M7
‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost’ (10/17)

(L to R) Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller in ‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost’. Photo: Apple TV+.

Ben Stiller tells the story of his parents—comedy icons Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara—exploring their impact on popular culture and at home, where the lines between creativity, family, life, and art often blurred.
qsgmTaZVkBBgzMz9Sl6YD5
‘Good Fortune‘ (10/17)

(L to R) Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, Seth Rogen as Jeff, and Aziz Ansari as Ari in ‘Good Fortune’. Photo Credit: Eddy Chen.

A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy capitalist (Seth Rogen).
btyHjgdcKjgicUy3t8Sxg7
‘Black Phone 2‘ (10/17)

(from left) Finn (Mason Thames) and The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) in ‘Black Phone 2’, directed by Scott Derrickson. © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Four years after escaping The Grabber (Ethan Hawke), Finney Blake (Mason Thames) is struggling with his life after captivity. When his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake, the siblings become determined to solve the mystery and confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine.
tERLaWd8vTuSTpFXPV8ux3
‘Hedda‘ (10/22)

Tessa Thompson stars as “Hedda Gabler” in ‘Hedda’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

Hedda Gabler (Tessa Thompson) finds herself torn between the lingering ache of a past love and the quiet suffocation of her present life. Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt—pulling her and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal.
rl9U8z2NyhDZXkY2rjarj6
‘Bugonia‘ (10/24)

Emma Stone stars as Michelle Fuller in director Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘Bugonia’, a Focus Features release. .Credit: Atsushi Nishijima/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company (Emma Stone), convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
B736ECIsf39YWGSbt5wPo
‘Blue Moon‘ (10/24)

(L to R) Margaret Qualley and Ethan Hawke in ‘Blue Moon’. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics.

On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke) confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical “Oklahoma!”.
zg8XCI3FVvvtPwJ0RqePc7
‘Last Days‘ (10/24)

‘Last Days’ opens exclusively in US theaters on October 24th. Photo: Tanasak “Top” Boonlam.

Determined to fulfill his life’s mission, 26-year-old John Allen Chau (Sky Yang) embarks on a dangerous adventure across the globe to convert the uncontacted tribe of North Sentinel Island to Christianity, while a detective from the Andaman Islands races to stop him before he does harm to himself or the tribe.
USWDscWmJrDuJ7m0ypwSc6
‘Mortal Kombat 2‘ (10/24)

(Right) Karl Urban as Johnny Cage in ‘Mortal Kombat 2’. Photo: Warner Bros.

A sequel to the 2021 film ‘Mortal Kombat‘.
xOGyEWsZQCEVSJF3jH70f1
‘Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere‘ (10/24)

Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere.’ Photo: 20th Century Studios.

Bruce Springsteen (Jeremy Allen White), a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom, struggles to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past
zGKvdY2uPhXFZl7RYYZ6U4

September 3, 2025
CinemaCon 2025: Universal Pictures Presentation
(L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Granda is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

Preview:
- ‘Wicked: For Good’, ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ and more were showcased at Universal’s CinemaCon show.
- There was news of sequels to the live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘The Bad Guys.’
- The likes of Jon M. Chu and Scarlett Johansson were on stage to support their movies.
Universal’s 2024 was successful partly thanks to Jon M. Chu’s musical adaptation ‘Wicked,’ and with follow-up ‘Wicked: For Good’ on the way this year, some of the studio’s focus was always going to be on the movie –– which features two new songs not found in the stage source material.

Beyond that, we were expecting peeks at movies from the studio’s various arms and partners at this year’s CinemaCon presentation, including horror home Blumhouse and DreamWorks Animation, which continues to push the likes of the ongoing ‘Shrek’ franchise and others.

And not forgetting dinosaurs: another jewel in Universal’s crown in the ‘Jurassic Park’/‘Jurassic World’ movies, and with ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ headed to theaters this summer, we’d have been shocked to not see something fresh from that.

(L to R) Luna Blaise and the T-Rex in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Related Article: ‘Superman,’ ‘F1’ Spotlighted in Warner Bros.’ CinemaCon Presentation

Here’s what happened at the studio’s show and tell…

Universal’s big display kicked off sonically, with the company’s President of music and publishing Mike Knobloch introducing Rickey Minor and an all-star orchestra playing a collection of tunes from the studio’s back catalogue –– ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Fast & Furious,’ ‘Despicable Me,’ ‘Jaws’ and even the likes of DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Shrek’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ with clips from the movies on screens.

And, naturally, last year’s huge smash was among them, with ‘Wicked’ fully represented.

Universal chairman Donna Langley arrived on stage to celebrate the fact that the studio has released more theatrical movies since the pandemic than any other. She bypassed the idea that shrinking theatrical windows were to blame for audiences skipping cinemas.

Pete Levinson, the chairman of Universal distribution took over to essentially praise the company for its $3 billion in grosses last year. And to remind us all that ‘Wicked: For Good’ is on the way in November.

But properly first?

‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

As the orchestra stuck up John Williams’ classic ‘Jurassic Park’ theme, stars Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali arrived on stage alongside director Gareth Edwards to talk about the movie.

Noted dino fan Johansson related how she’s tried to get cast in all three previous ‘Jurassic World’ movies without success, eventually collaring Steven Spielberg to plead her case.

Edwards joked she was probably too expensive for the films –– which didn’t seem to sit well with Scarlet (probably all in good fun?)

The director also recalled watching the original ‘Jurassic Park’ as a kid (10 times in a day!) and how much of an honor it is direct this talented cast in a ‘Jurassic’ movie. He dropped mention that Mahershala is an Oscar winner, to which Ali comically corrected him that he has two!

Mahershala Ali is Duncan Kincaid in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ filmed in Thailand, with Johansson recalling many “pinch me’ moments on set and on location.

The trio introduced some fresh footage from the movie –– some of it unfinished. Mahershala said he’d seen it, to which Scarlet joked she was supposed to see everything first per her contract.

As for the footage, it largely tracked what we saw in the first trailer, with Johansson’s specialist leading a team to an abandoned ‘Jurassic Park’ staging island to retrieve genetic material to source lifegiving medical cures. A new hybrid dino we’ve yet to meet
UfvDZx43
‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ stomps into theaters on July 2nd.
iDV9ECfrlJVXq7MAkRW8k1
On to DreamWorks Animation!

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’

Margie Cohn, President of DreamWorks Animation, followed to announce that the movie based on the popular Netflix series is in the works.

Gloria Estephan and Kristen Wiig lead the cast of the movie which blends animation and live-action, and the first trailer played on stage.

‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’ heads to cinemas on September 26th.
17rAhLJPoE74ICZe05Chz
‘The Bad Guys 2’

(from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Following their short before ‘Dog Man,’ the ‘Bad Guys’ crew will be properly back on our screen later this year.

Craig Robinson and Awkwafina were on stage to discuss it (and crack wise, including joking that co-stars Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron and Anthony Ramos aren’t there because they’re banned from Vegas).

Holding inflatable versions of their characters, Robinson said:

“We’ve got a legit franchise now, baby!”

The first trailer for the movie was played, showing that our Bad Guys are lured out of do-gooding by a group of bad girls.

‘The Bad Guys 2’ will be released on August 1st.
vY6fwLQcSqDcQXYQL2zRK6
‘How to Train Your Dragon’

(from left) Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Stoick (Gerard Butler) in Universal Pictures’ live- action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, written and directed by Dean DeBlois. Photo: Universal Pictures.

The live-action/CG take on the tale (which screened earlier in the day at the event to generally great acclaim) had stars Gerard Butler and Nico Parker on stage alongside director Dean DeBlois to talk it up.

They also announced that a sequel has already been greenlit, and that that one will fly into theaters on June 11th, 2027.

Butler was also given the chance to set the orchestra playing some of John Powell’s recognizable score.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake will be flying into cinemas on June 13th.
6iSOkm8wH6ERhulOvteW45
The whistlestop presentation moved onto…

‘HIM’

Produced by Jordan Peele, the blend of sports story and horror sees a promising young football player joining an isolated compound to train under a dynasty team’s aging quarterback.

Directed by Justin Tipping, the movie had stars Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers on stage to promote it.

Wayans began by quipping:

“I’m finally the only Wayans here. I’m tenth of ten kids. I don’t think Keenan (his brother) knows my name!”

Withers, meanwhile, told the crowd that they’ve never seen Wayans like this before.

The pair then cued up the creepy first look at the movie, which promises a blend of ‘The Substance’ and American Football.

‘HIM’ will touch down at theaters on September 19th.

From there, to…

‘Nobody 2’

Bob Odenkirk in ‘Nobody.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

The sequel to the 2021 Bob Odenkirk-starring action movie showcased its first trailer, full of more bone-crunching action, with Sharon stone joining the cast. The story this time finds Hutch Parker (Odenkirk) taking the family on vacation, only to run afoul of Stone’s criminal organization. Cue vengeance!

The movie hits cinemas on August 15th.
K3fUW3hpY6YwKgjyql23P3
Next, it was the turn of Focus Features…

Focus chairman Peter Kujawski took the stage to hype his studio arm’s upcoming titles and say that every film by the company is made for theatrical.

He dropped word of Wes Anderson’s latest, ‘The Phoenician Scheme,’ Chloe Zhao’s ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Anemone,’ which Ronan Day-Lewis co-wrote with his father, Daniel Day-Lewis, who left retirement to appear in the movie. And, of course, there’s reportedly final ‘Downton Abbey’ movie ‘The Grand Finale.’

‘The Phoenician Scheme’

Anderson’s new cine-baby features much of his regular players, with Benicio Del Toro leading the cast.

It’ll be out on June 6th.
840FXz1A16r7w6COVuUvH
‘Bugonia’

That was followed by the first trailer for ‘Kinds of Kindness’ director Yorgos Lanthimos’ next movie, ‘Bugonia,’ which reunites that movie’s Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons.

It’ll creep into theaters on November 7th.
B736ECIsf39YWGSbt5wPo
And finally from Focus?

‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’

2022’s ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’. Photo: Focus Features.

The last ‘Downton’ movie is set in the 1930s and includes much of the regular cast plus Paul Giamatti.

That one will grace our screens on September 12th.
lEX8tSN43MbhVEWkp6eIR2
From there, to a horror theme via Blumhouse…

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’

Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures Toy Freddy in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

The orchestra struck up music of the video game adaptation, which heralded one of the animatronic characters (well, a suit based on them) striding on stage.

After some confusion as to how to remove the head, it turned out to be company boss Jason Blum, who joked he so loves to save money that he was in the costumes the whole time for the original movie.

The original ‘Freddy’s is Blumhouse’s biggest hit of all time, so of course the sequel is already in the works. Blum also apologized for the decision to make that movie day and date on Peacock, so this follow-up will be cinemas only upon release.

And that release? December 5th.
mUHqMLDRZnVQTKeqBMpHY
Blum also cued up a teaser, which sees the return of Josh Hutcherson’s Mike and more animatronic chaos.
oTI091aK
And we moved to…

‘The Black Phone 2’

Ethan Hawke as The Grabber in ‘The Black Phone,’ directed by Scott Derrickson.

Not done with the costume theatrics, Blum arrived back on stage in a Grabber mask to offer that the sequel to Scott Derrickson’s 2021 kidnap horror thriller will be in theaters on October 17th.

Actor Madeleine McGraw, who returns for the new movie (and is CinemaCon 2025 Rising Star of the Year), joined Blum on stage to talk about the movie, which is Derrickson’s first-ever sequel.

We were treated to a first look trailer for the new movie. The footage finds the two kids (played by McGraw and Mason Thames) dealing with the repercussions of the first movie. Ethan Hawke’s Grabber is back –– even though he died –– but we only hear his voice in the trailer.
tERLaWd8vTuSTpFXPV8ux3
From there to…

‘M3GAN 2.0’

M3GAN in ‘M3GAN 2.0’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. Photo: Universal Pictures.

It’s convenient that Madeline McGraw was already on stage, because she could introduce sister Violet, who appears in the AI killer doll sequel.
l6BYJsiU
The follow-up takes the ‘Terminator 2’ approach, with an even more threatening AI system going online and M3GAN has to be re-activated to stop it.

Is that a good idea? Probably not!

M3GAN in ‘M3GAN 2.0,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Following the arrival of 30 M3GAN dolls (or Las Vegas dancers dressed like M3GAN) on stage, the new trailer played for the movie.

‘M3GAN 2.0’ strides on to screens on June 27th.
mZYHi5iOIN9XrRLeJ8U644
That was followed by…

‘Soulm8te’

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ director James Wan at CinemaCon 2022. Photos by Eric Charbonneau.

Atomic Monster boss James Wan –– whose company has formed a creative partnership with Blumhouse –– came on stage to talk up ‘Soulm8te,’ which if it sounds like a more grown up take on ‘M3GAN’ (or really, ‘Companion,’ with its story of a female robo-partner who turns out to be an issue), that’s because it’s set in the same universe as the devious doll.

‘Soulm8te’s first look played, followed by word of a January 2md. 2026 release.
FY9I2ohyPdSsD5puMSdMp6
And then…

2026 Universal Preview

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ will open in theaters on April 7, 2023.

Jim Orr, the studio’s president of theatrical distribution, came on stage to discuss even further in the future. To coin a phrase, more sequels!

He confirmed the likes of ‘Super Mario Bros. Movie 2′ (April 2026), ‘Minions 3’ (July 2026) and ‘Shrek 5‘ (yes, featuring Zendaya in a voice role, arriving Christmas 2026).

But there are originals too, including Christopher Nolan’s epic ‘The Odyssey’ (July 2026) and a certain Mr. Steven Spielberg’s still-to-be-titled new event movie, which will arrive in June 2026.
GMFxtsAnOuHq3zrIA41A62
But for the big finish, the expected…

‘Wicked: For Good’

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

To the strains of ‘Defying Gravity,’ the presentation wrapped with ‘Wicked’ stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande taking the stage –– and, yes, referring to holding space as per the viral interview meme –– to discuss the follow-up, and thank theater owners for their support.

They were joined by producer Marc Platt and director Jon M. Chu, who joked that this is the third year his movie(s) have closed out a Universal CinemaCon presentation.

Chu quipped:

“It all worked out!”

(Center L to R) Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), Director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Granda (as Glinda) on the set of ‘Wicked’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Getting serious to discuss how the new movie follows the ramifications of the young women’s choices from the original.

We got a first look at the movie via an extended trailer, which finds Glinda and Elphaba meeting again after some time has passed since the end of ‘Wicked.’

Elphaba uses her powers to write, The Wizard of Oz Lies!” in the sky, while we get our first clear look at Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

‘Wicked: For Good’ soars on to screens on November 21st.
pesbpRntTGmaBaUY09OT
And with that… Universal was done for CinemaCon 2025!

Ariana Grande is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Editorial Note: Moviefone Editor in Chief Jami Philbrick contributed to this reporting.
April 2, 2025